Cells at Work! Code Black

Episode 1

Smoking, Bacteria, and the Beginning of the End

Fri, Jan 8, 2021 23 mins

A naive and idealistic rookie red blood cell named AA2153 starts his first day of work and is overwhelmed by the state of the body he works in. The blood vessels are clogged by cholesterol, the red blood cells are not allowed to take breaks, and everybody is grumpy and rude due to the body being under stress. Delivering oxygen with a veteran red blood cell, they face a carbon monoxide cloud and are saved from a group of Pneumococcus bacteria by a white blood cell named U-1196. The weary veteran entrusts AA2153 with the body before committing suicide by running into the carbon monoxide. U-1196 leads AA2153 to the lungs, which are contaminated with tar, and horrifies him when she explains that the body is addicted to smoking cigarettes.

Episode 2

The Liver, Alcohol, and Pride

Even on the first day of the job, Red Blood Cell (AA2153) and his coworkers must carry oxygen throughout the body without rest. They make their way to the liver to relieve their stress from work.

Episode 3

Excitement, Expansion, and Emptiness

Sat, Jan 16, 2021

The Red Blood Cells have been given an important mission to fill the erectile tissue with blood to trigger an erection. Red Blood Cell (AA2153) is enthusiastic about the opportunity to contribute to the birth of new life.

Episode 4

Front Line, Gonococci, and Conflict

Sat, Jan 16, 2021

Gonococci entered the body through sexual intercourse. White Blood Cells are battling the gonococci, known for their proliferation rate. They invade the urethra and are closing in on the epididymis where the sperm are.

Episode 5

Overwork, Hair Loss, and Delirium

Sat, Jan 23, 2021 23 mins

Red Blood Cell (AA2153) has gained confidence in his work after overcoming various obstacles. Red Blood Cell discovers that the Killer T Cells, are normally reliable colleagues, are attacking Hair Matrix Cells and destroying the follicles.

Episode 6

Kidneys, Kidney Stones, and Tears

23 mins

Red Blood Cells AA2153 and AC1677 are getting familiar with the job and have enough energy to joke about during their downtime. When they arrive at the efferent arteriole, they hear a ominous sound of something blocking the nearby ureter.

Episode 7

Caffeine, Temptation, and Jealousy

23 mins

An accident occurs where the oxygen delivered by Red Blood Cell (AC1677) to a young Ordinary Cell transforms into Reactive Oxygen Species, causing the Ordinary Cell to age. Though it was an accident, he is overcome by guilt for making a cell grow old. Shortly after, an awards ceremony is held for new Red Blood Cells, where AA2153 is chosen for the Rookie of the Year award. Though they started on the job at the same time, AC1677 is pained by a sense of inferiority towards his coworker, but a senior Red Blood Cell approaches him and says that he understands how he must feel. The senior Red Blood Cell says, "I know a place that will make you feel better," and tries to take AC1677 somewhere.

Episode 8

Calves, Pulmonary Embolism, and Quick Thinking

23 mins

Due to an increase in smoking and alcohol consumption, the liver has lost the vitality and vigor it once had. It is apparent that the Liver Cells are unhealthy, and according to these cells, too much fat has built up in the liver which has caused the functions of this organ to deteriorate. While Red Blood Cell (AA2153) is bewildered by this situation, he is asked by other Red Blood Cells to help carry oxygen because they are lacking in numbers. The Red Blood Cells are unable to get any rest, but the calves are in a weakened state, so they decide to deliver oxygen to a deep vein that is oxygen deprived.

Episode 9

Calamity, Athlete's Foot, and the Meaning of Work

White Blood Cells are nowhere to be seen, and White Blood Cell (1196) is alarmed by this abnormal situation. Red Blood Cell (AA2153) is worried about the deteriorating health of the body but continues to deliver oxygen. He happens to see newly recruited Red Blood Cells undergoing training. Since Red Blood Cell (AA2153) has been recognized for his recent achievements, he is chosen to train the new recruits and is asked to deliver oxygen with them. However, Red Blood Cell (AA2153) pushes himself too hard without rest while trying to set a good example for the new recruits.

Episode 10

Stomach Ulcer, Friendship, and Loss

23 mins

Red Blood Cells are summoned to handle an emergency. They carry oxygen to the scene, but they discover that the stomach has an ulcer and is badly breached. If the Serous membrane becomes perforated, the stomach will end up melting down.

Episode 11

Desperation, Gout, and Rebellion

23 mins

Red Blood Cell (AA2153) keeps seeing flashbacks of his fellow Red Blood Cell (AC1677) falling into gastric acid and blames himself for not saving him. But this body doesn't have the means to let him recover.

Episode 12

Return, the Heart, and Demise

23 mins

Still unable to find meaning in his work, Red Blood Cell (AA2153) is determined to continue delivering oxygen and works hard at his job. Contrary to his determination, the body's internal environment continues to decline.

Episode 13

Cardiac Arrest, Revival, and a Change

Bodily functions are coming to a halt. In this dire situation, all the cells are on the verge of losing hope, but only Red Blood Cell (AA2153) hasn't given up. Are they making us work hard because the body is unhealthy?